> Let’s say I have points to get a free flight. Great, now I’m also spending money out of pocket on a hotel, meals, entertainment, etc. That “free” $600 plane t

> Let’s say I have points to get a free flight. Great, now I’m also spending money out of pocket on a hotel, meals, entertainment, etc. That “free” $600 plane ticket actually costs $5k in other expenses, but it’s ok, because we’re earning $100 more in points for spending that $5k. I just flew to London for free and our hotel was free (the Westminster) on points. Earlier in the year we stayed in a $900 a night hotel free on points in Quepos Costa Rica. We flew there on a Delta companion pass by having a $350 AF Delta credit card that also has a $200 Hotel credit (Delta Business Platinum). I almost always fly to see my parents free on points (AirFrance 20K points to book Delta flights round trip). Of course I don’t pay for anything when I go home. But if you are getting most of your points via spending instead of sign up bonuses, you’re doing it wrong (See r/churning). That is unless you do a lot of business travel. Either way, we travel a lot anyway. Credit card points increase our travel budget.